Manchester United displayed resilience to secure a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, ending a poor run of four consecutive defeats.
Amad Diallo’s late equalizer capped a spirited performance that saw Lisandro Martinez score a brilliant opener, only for Liverpool to fight back with a spectacular goal from Cody Gakpo and a Mohamed Salah penalty.
Despite the draw, United missed a golden opportunity to steal all three points in stoppage time. Joshua Zirkzee found Harry Maguire in front of an open goal, but the England defender blazed his shot over the bar.
Rio Ferdinand was critical of Zirkzee’s pass, blaming it for the missed chance, but commended several United players for their performances.
Ferdinand singled out Manuel Ugarte, Noussair Mazraoui, and Diogo Dalot for their impressive displays, praising their effort and composure under pressure.
Reflecting on the team’s overall improvement, he noted the blend of commitment, tactical execution, and creativity that had been missing in recent games.
However, Ferdinand emphasized the need for consistency, urging players to maintain their high standards in upcoming matches.
He highlighted the importance of replicating their intensity against less high-profile opponents, such as Southampton, to build momentum for the rest of the season.
Addressing Zirkzee’s performance, Ferdinand criticized the forward’s poor decision-making in the final moments, stressing the importance of precision and confidence.
He encouraged the team to learn from such situations and maintain focus on the fundamentals of passing and teamwork.
While Liverpool missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table, United moved up to 13th place. Both teams will now look to build on their performances as they prepare for the challenges ahead.